This article begins with a question, but its entire context contains three associated verbs in the first person. First, I associate the verb “levantar” (to lift) with transformation, overcoming, and, why not, resilience.

While I associate the verb “tropezar” with making a mistake, and the verb “caer” with frustration and vulnerability.

In this regard, we recently recalled an incident that occurred at our company, Rocasac, on Monday, September 30, 2013, between 6:45 pm and 7:00 pm. A short circuit occurred in the warehouse, which started a fire that destroyed all the stored materials and spread to part of the offices. After more than five hours, four fire companies arrived to control the blaze. The only losses were material, with no loss of life. At that time, the company’s leader was my older brother, Jorge, who co-owned the business with a friend.

I also remember, as if it were yesterday, that afternoon I was heading to play soccer with my friends from my master’s program at the Jockey Club of Peru in Lima. It was on the way there that I heard on RPP radio that a large fire was breaking out in some warehouses in the Surco industrial park. Without suspecting that it was my brother’s business, I continued on my way and continued with my soccer practice.

However, after finishing the game with my colleagues, I noticed many missed calls from my brother Jorge on my phone and called him immediately. He told me what had happened and asked for my help with a few specific issues. Around 10:30 pm, I went to the scene and found my brother, looking frustrated and vulnerable, accompanied by his business partner and almost all of the workers, who, having learned of the accident, had returned to see how they could help.

The next day, to be exact at 7:30 am, the collaborators met at Jorge’s house to assign tasks and responsibilities, look for and rent the temporary space for the new offices and warehouses, talk to suppliers and clients, watch in shifts and spend several nights at the site of the disaster to extinguish possible outbreaks of new fires.

However, something that has intrigued us is that everything in the administrative offices burned and was lost, except for a medal of Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, which remained intact. What was the reason? What explanation can be given for this detail? Are these coincidences of life, or as my friend Carla Barrionuevo says, divine interventions?

Now, 13 years later, looking back on life in light of these events, I share some lessons with you:

1. Leadership goes beyond what books and experts say, as a popular saying goes: “the proof is in the pudding.”
2. Don’t waste your energy looking for someone to blame, instead focus on finding solutions.
3. You’re always going to stumble and fall; the point is how quickly you get up and act.
4. When you take out comprehensive insurance, prepare for the worst possible scenario; don’t try to save on small things because if an accident occurs, that supposed saving will come back to haunt you.
5. One characteristic of Peruvians is the solidarity shown in the face of adversity towards others; this was something real and admirable, not only with clients and suppliers, but even with competing companies.
6. A few months before that date, my father had passed away and, as a good childhood friend from my beloved Chiclayo and of Arab descent says: in the absence of your father, your older brother will always be your example and guide.
7. Last but not least, ask yourself the right question: what purpose things serve, not why they happen. If this hadn’t happened, Rocasac wouldn’t be a family business today (my younger brother and I joined as partners).

As always, I accompany this story with related phrases to help us reflect.

• “Some falls are the means to rise to happier situations.” – William Shakespeare.
• “By making mistakes, we move forward. Falling is not a failure; the true failure is remaining prostrate.” – Saint Augustine of Hippo.
• “The greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela.

Undoubtedly, the trilogy of stumbling, falling, and getting up is part of our lives; however, as long as we have life, strength, will, and faith, we can always begin again; it’s never too late. Keep going, keep rowing against the current and out to sea!